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THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 45
V The second night repeated exactly its predecessor. The beginning nightmare, this time with a lobotomy, instantly ended with a dash through the ice barrier, after which, with the Mask of the Man on her knees, Alice found herself alone in a clearing under the stars. In this realm of dreamless sleep, she mentally tried to tame the memory of others still spontaneously surfacing in her head.However, attempts to curb foreign memories led to the opposite results. Awakening Lis met in a broken state. The man was not in the tent again. Spots danced before her eyes, turning into another frightening scene from his life when she closed her eyes for more than a second. With difficulty, she forced herself to stand up. Every step, every movement seemed like an incredible feat based on overcoming oneself.“Apparently, this is how my stay at the Circus will alternate: either everything is fine, or immediately very bad! - Through the hum of voices from someone else's memory, she thought, putting her
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 46
"I hope you're happy!" she thought angrily, pressing her back against his back. For mutual convenience, the Man chose a chair without a back.“Try practicing voice suppression. At their core, they are just a part of obsessive memories, like a melody that eats into the mind and does not want to leave! he suggested, feeling her displeased fuss on his back.“It’s like I became part of the Siamese twins!” Lis muttered. – But you can rejoice, Man, even in theory I won’t be able to plan something against you!"You didn't mean to!" he replied mockingly.“I didn’t mean to, but now I won’t!” she nodded. - What will happen in the evening?“You will see how the Circus really works. What happened yesterday is just an attempt to play for time. Decades drag on. It makes no sense to give a show every day, and you have to look after other candidates for a long time, ”she visibly tensed. The man gently nudged her with his elbow. “Today all you have to do is look carefully and describe everything you s
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 47
The fingers blocking the view parted slightly, and something could be dimly seen in the gap between them. The fox strained her eyes with all her might, involuntarily moving her head. Finally, the eyes caught the man's face. His gaze was worried. The lips are compressed into a thread, the movement of the facial muscles is visible on the jaw. The eyes are sad. Almost like the day when ...The girl staggered in the Headmaster's arms, momentarily limp like a doll. His hands instantly moved to her shoulders, carefully supporting her in an upright position.- Devil! she breathed involuntarily.- One day I will start to punish you for bad words! the Man promised in a hot whisper with a smile. – What did you see?“He…” Alice shook her head, pushing away the vision. He was a teacher, I think. Worked with young children. He was expelled from his hometown. Friends and family turned their backs on him. He was accused of seducing the little five-year-old daughter of his friend. She said that he to
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 48
“Something is happening. Perhaps right now! - Tapping her fingers on the back of the sofa, she thought, looking into the darkness behind which was the dome of the tent. - Think, Alice, do you need it? The revealed secrets have two problems. Having learned something unpleasant, it is no longer forgotten. But, even worse, the revealed secret often has to be buried in a mass grave along with all the witnesses!”Unable to stand it, she got up from the sofa, put on her shoes and went out into the night.“I didn’t promise that I would obediently sleep! Maybe I'm a lunatic? she mentally justified herself as she quietly paced between the tents.The circus looked like it was asleep. No extra movement, no noise. Everything is quiet. The serenity of the night began to hint that it was time for the Fox to return to the sofa, as it was not at the right time, the memory helpfully reproduced the words of the Man regarding the tent-stage:" You don't have to go there! »“I was already there at night.
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 49
With a swift step, the Man went to the exit from the Tent, not letting go of the Foxes. With the inequality of strength and height, it seemed that he was dragging a large doll, which, nevertheless, found the strength to fight back with his feet. Kicking in vain with the desperation of a hare, the Fox did not notice where they were going. The large dome was replaced by a dark sky with a scattering of stars, and then again the dome of the tent, much smaller than the previous one. The same tent, the purpose of which in his excursion Man did not reveal. Table with tools. There is a large cage in the center. In the cage sat a newly minted weirdo.“You forgot, Alice, the main rule of this City,” the Man whispered angrily in her ear. It's time to remember and fix it!The steel grip disappeared, and the prisoner was free. Jumping away from him, she involuntarily jumped to the cage. The strongman stood at the entrance. Don't run away.“Time for the red vial. Too bad he's not here!" Alice allow
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 50
After the night the Fox experienced, it seemed that she heard the Elephant Man moving and breathing. It was impossible to fall asleep or doze off soundly in this state. As a result - the usual half-asleep state with a familiar hostility to the outside world. The body has not yet begun to get used to good conditions, and adapted to stress instantly. Around the enemy. It is necessary to survive.Jumping up on the sofa, the Fox found that the Man was missing again, but indifferently ran behind the screen to wash. A mirror was found in the bag at the very bottom, and it became easier to put yourself in order. Black dress, like on the first evening. Hair collected. There was still plenty of time before breakfast. Thinking about the Man with whom she would have to go arm in arm to the tent, she shuddered. The thought that he would touch her again made her twitch. Even the voices that began to grow remorselessly in my head were not a worthy reason to touch the pale-faced Demon hidden among t
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 51
“ Her eyes are like those of Annette ” - out of place it occurred to the Man’s head, which only added to his anger. Another green-eyed witch looks at him in horror. If she tries to cry like a child and run away, she will end up...- Time! trembling lips whispered.- What? He moved even closer.They were separated by a few centimeters, the cilia in the eyes trembled from the Man's breath.“You said that in time I’ll get used to it… or that time will decide everything,” said the Fox timidly. “I beg you to give me this time!”“ Fair. Damn right! ' he admitted involuntarily.- How much time do you need? He pulled back to look into her eyes. The frightening silver left his sight.- I do not know. But I need to digest it all!"Devil. With you, one day feels like all seven! You won't have to wait long!" Evil thoughts stabbed him."Good," he nodded, suddenly stepping back a few steps. The fox looked at the space between them with round eyes in surprise. Freedom from his hands seemed like some
THE MYSTERY CITY CHAPTER 52
The nauseating horror did not leave, even when the grip of the Man disappeared, and he himself seemed to have left. The body, leaning back against the screen without the ability to move, trembled. There was a string of images before his eyes, joined by the scene from his own memory when he grabbed her and dragged her to the weirdo.— Alice! quiet voice, almost a whisper. It even sounds human . Unusual. - Please look at me. Take it! And give me your left hand.Like a hunted animal, she nervously turned her head in his direction and looked at what the Man offered her in exchange for a hand. Mask. Not just another one of his creations, but a one-of-a-kind Mask of the Masked Man. Giving him his magic, turning him into a pale-faced Demon. Perhaps the most valuable of his treasures. More than worthy exchange.The fox lifted her head with an effort. Emerald eyes met barite eyes. It didn't feel like a trick. A new sophisticated game has not been announced. Everything seemed to be fair this ti
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- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 131
Over the years, I have long understood that the provision of choice is only a play of his own composition. Man really likes the behavior of his toys in those moments when they think that they still have freedom, but in fact he has been pulling all the strings for a long time. Everything will be just the way he wants. And these "certain conditions" will be fulfilled by me regardless of what I say or do.- The very first thing - together forever, my dear! A blanket falls off my shoulders. His cloak flies to the floor.- Easy! I smile, straightening the buttons on my vest.- And the second, - his hand, bypassing pajamas, moves along the spine, causing pleasant goosebumps, - to the King and Queen ...- Oh no!" ...should..."- No, no, no!- ...to be husband and wife!- Somehow without me! - I try to get out, does not allow.Several years have passed since Kenny's opaque hint, and each time this intriguer, in any case, specified the nearest date of that very day. Over time, Man began to th
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 130
For a month, Lis loaded herself with work and new projects so that the breaks between activities were only for sleep. She even preferred to eat food on the go, which could not but worry her friends. But it was easier that way. She did not ignore the support of her brother and the company, and almost every November evening she called to her gatherings with or without an overnight stay. It was more difficult with the nightmares, which instantly returned without the Man. Bypassing the subsequent revival in Brantford, but just as disgustingly detailed. Nights without their King literally became torture.- Would you like to visit me today? - suggested the Fox, locking the doors, although the very idea that someone would break into her cafe in her City caused hysterical laughter.“Actually, we wanted to invite everyone to our place today, Kenny will again liberate modest Wendy,” Trisha smiled, “but if you yearn for the Man, then we can organize gatherings with you!”“I miss you madly,” the
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 129
"Month of the Unknown. What if another Four comes along and challenges him and destroys him? Or will the old one gather and, shaking her gray hair, avenge her ruined lives? Or will he find himself another young sweetheart? – the last thought harassed more than others.She had no doubts about the ability of her King to foresee all possible outcomes and become invulnerable for a month with full replenishment from the Circus. As well as how greedy for his mysterious image of girls of all possible ages. And if she could tolerate the townspeople, realizing that they were of little interest to the Man, and if they wished, they would simply go to dinner for the ghouls, then the events of Saintfor ...“All his women are from this Devil City, come to think of it. Even me! she thought displeasedly, looking through the audience from behind the scenes, in search of a potential weirdo with whom the Circus would go on tour completely full. - Devil! Am I like Persephone? Will I strangle any one for
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 128
The door bell chimed cheerfully, letting in strangers.– Welcome to Nightingale City! Lis smiled.The city whispered to the girl behind the counter that the customers weren't local. But no hint was needed. It was enough to see their faces. All new people have anxiety, loss and hopelessness in their eyes. Like all guests of the city, they are confused by how exactly they ended up at the doors of the themed cafe. But they couldn't get in. The one who can is not yet born. The trinity of young people is slightly older than Alice herself.– We are glad to welcome guests of the city in our cafe “Alice in the Land of Teas¹”!She politely invited those who entered to sit down at the bar counter, into which the counter passed.Let me offer you tea. For guests of the city, absolutely free! – warning their refusal, she added.“Thank you,” one of them said in a trembling voice, “Miss…- In our small state, you can call me Alice! she winked with a smile on duty as she prepared welcome tea for them
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 127
The man sincerely grinned, gently unhooked the pale girlish fingers, dragging Lis forward to hug her from behind. Feeling the familiar warmth in her shoulder blades, enveloping her with a mute promise of protection, she closed her eyes in bliss.- Unusual. Very nice variety!Today the townspeople have outdone themselves! In a good way! she chuckled. – I think this day has become a pleasant change for everyone!“And for you, my singing queen?”“You have hearing like a bat?” she wondered, adding, “Kenny and his brother decided to have a therapy session to get rid of their sad thoughts through public humiliation. By the way, effective, although I could do without it. Holidays are great medicine in and of themselves. And I prefer to sing only to a narrow circle of the elite." Chosen, you mean? - Alice's words thrown as an excuse for timidity were very flattering.Will life be much more boring now? the girl asked, smiling when a scarlet maple leaf fell on her face in a gust of night wind.
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 126
Before the eyes of Alice, who was rapidly blushing with embarrassment, everyone who heard Andy's loud announcement, as well as everyone who knew one of them, pulled up to the small stage. Friends with hyenas' hysterical laughter pushed the girl onto the stage, taking away her bag and broom. The band members, meanwhile, descended from the stage, took large lanterns and, for the effect of bright spotlights, began to illuminate the girl from large spotlights.“Brother,” Lis sang with a wide smile of shock, “I hate you!” I'll go down from the stage - I'll kill!“Relax, Kiki,” Kenny winked at her, “consider it part of therapy. We treat despondency with public disgrace!- That's not how it works! - hissed the girl, getting a guitar in her hands. Correcting the instrument, she timidly turned to the crowd, expecting either a song from her, or ... she didn’t even want to think about the second. - Okay, hello people! You know, in my memory - this is the best holiday in our city! I'm right?The
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 125
- Why is Robin Hood not included in the support group? Andy asked, looking to ensure that the preparations were going at the right pace, but a boot flying in his direction made the guys step back from the tent one more step.- Don't peek! - the girls printed their will in unison.All three voices were clearly heard in the angry trill.– Because he performs the most important mission – guarding the entrance to the territory of the Circus! Pirate Roberts grunted, brushing off the broomstick.- And if there are no jokes?- If no joke, then with all his inclinations towards your sister, multiplied by his pathological inability to keep his mouth closed and his hands to himself ... think for yourself! Kenny answered in the tone of a mentor explaining something obvious. - Here they will pull out his arms and legs and change places, and deservedly so, and I will also assist!Three girls emerged from the tent. Sarah in a classic ghost costume and Trisha in the image of Rose Cotton paired with
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 124
The Man in the Mask himself found himself in a spiral of difficult questions. Does the King need a Queen after a complete and unconditional victory in the last chess game? As it turns out, more is needed. Which for the pragmatic part of his essence seemed strange. When the enemies stopped brightening up the dullness of loneliness, Alice's halo of "usefulness" almost completely melted away. And now that the Mask had no plans left for her, the Man's attitude towards the fragile little witch became even more reverent. As soon as all plans to conquer the city and eliminate the last coven were completed, the temporarily suppressed desire for the constant closeness of the Foxes returned. The fistula called "loneliness" did not poison his existence only with the full presence of his beast in his life. Her presence nearby, when only the body is close, and the soul is hidden in darkness, forced him to make a decision that was unexpected for him.The sun began to move towards the horizon when a
- THE MYSTERY CITY
CHAPTER 123
The morning of the last day of October, almost until breakfast, Lis spent in tears. The whole "raw period" Man did not leave her a single step. As in the case of her exhaustion after the first merger with the City, he could not influence the girl. All that was left was to watch helplessly. In the end, poured into the girl by hook or by crook, a transparent liquid with a cloyingly sweet and sour taste managed to stop the endless stream of tears. However, this author's sedative lasted only a couple of hours.Upon awakening, she wanted only one thing - to fall into a dream and not wake up for at least a week. However, the dream waved its tail and left the Fox, gloatingly endowing her consciousness with crystal vigor, with which it became impossible even to doze off. It was comforting that the tears had ended, and clarity appeared in my thoughts, albeit a sad one. Under the soothing roar of the Human's heart, she opened her eyes. Feeling the weightless movements of his fingers on her shou
